The decision enraged families across the Midlands who loved taking their kids to see him.

Mum Julie Link, from Streetly, near Sutton Coldfield, has taken her children, Jonathan, eight, and Alice, six, to the musuem’s grotto for the past three years.

“I called the museum when I couldn’t see any details on its website and was told Santa wouldn’t be there this year to save money,” she said.

“It was a shock. My children have come to believe that Father Christmas is the real one.

“He was fantastic. There was something particularly warm about him. Even the staff said they were devastated about not having him there this year.”

For £3 a ticket, children received a small gift and photograph in the grotto, usually held in the museum’s ornate Edwardian tea-room.

Cuts have also claimed the venue’s Nativity Trail, which showed visitors the Christmas story through 500 years of art, after eight years.

The Birmingham City Council-owned museum is run by Birmingham Museums Trust, which is also responsible for attractions including Aston Hall, Soho House and Thinktank.

But the council is in the grip of a huge cuts programme said by leader Sir Albert Bore to involve making savings of £825 million-a-year by 2017.

In an email sent to 44-year-old Julie, the Trust said: “We’re terribly sorry to hear about your disappointment that we won’t be holding the usual Father Christmas Grotto at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery this year.

“Our decision was not arrived at easily, but ultimately it was felt the best thing to do as we are currently reviewing all programming across Birmingham museums in light of changing resources.

“We did not want to go ahead with our usual Christmas attractions unless we absolutely knew we would honour the traditions to the highest possible standards.”

The email referred Julie to the Birmingham Mail’s website, which carries a guide to the Midlands’ grottos.

A museum spokesman said: “In the light of changing resources it was decided we were not holding the grotto or the Nativity Trail this year.

“Resources are a factor but we are reviewing all programming. We want to make sure we offer quality and that what we present is robust and sustainable.

“The offer isn’t being limited and we have significant exhibitions opening over the next few years.”

Other families also told of their disappointment on Facebook.

Michelle Johnston told the museum: “The Santa was by far one of the best.

“There are hundreds of Santas out there but not many who were as friendly and genuine and took the time to chat to children like the lovely man you had as Santa.

“It’s a real shame.”

And Gemma Noblin added: “My daughter has seen him each Christmas since she was six-weeks-old and she is now five. We are so disappointed.”